Truck folding back cover

ABSTRACT

System for covering a truck bed includes side rails attachable to bed rails of the truck. The side rails include mounting positions. The system includes clamps to secure the side rails to the bed rails and a cover positioned above the side rails. The cover includes a first panel and a second panel positioned rearward of the first panel. The cover includes cover rails coupled near ends of the first panel and near ends of the second panel. The cover includes hinges positioned between the cover rails of the first panel and the second panel to pivotably couple the first panel with the second panel. The cover includes mounting features coupled with the cover rails of the first panel and mounting features coupled with the mounting positions. Rods are coupled with the cover rail mounting features and the mounting position mounting features to maintain the cover in a folded position.

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201420609144.2, 201420609156.5 and 201420609157.X, filed Oct. 22, 2014,which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cover systems are often used to protect cargo beds of pickup trucks. Thecover systems often cover all or a portion of the cargo bed such thatany items stored and/or hauled in the cargo bed are protected fromoutside elements, as well as theft. In order to accommodate the storageand/or hauling of larger objects, as well as to facilitate easy loadingand unloading of the cargo bed, many conventional cover systems arefoldable into a storage position. This enables the cargo bed to beexposed without removing the cover entirely from the truck. However,this can cause visibility problems, as conventional cover systems blockthe view through the rear window of the pickup truck when the cover isin a folded position. Thus, driving may be unsafe while the cover systemis folded for any reason.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides folding tonneau cover systems that sealand protect the cargo bed of a pickup truck. The cover systems mayextend to cover all or part of the cargo bed, or may be folded up andlocked into a stowed position. The stowed position may be adjusted suchthat at least a portion of a rear window of the pickup truck may beexposed. This makes driving with a cover system much safer. Embodimentsmay utilize panel sizes and/or adjustable stowed positions to providethe added visibility

In one aspect, a flexible tonneau cover system for covering a bed of apickup truck is provided. The system may include a plurality of siderails configured to be mounted on a bed rail of the pickup truck. Eachof the plurality of side rails may include a channel running along alength of the side rail and an opening positioned in between a first endand a second end of the side rail to provide access to the channel. Thesystem may also include a flexible tonneau cover configured to bereleasably secured to the plurality of side rails to cover the bed ofthe pickup truck and a plurality of clamps configured to secure theplurality of side rails to a bed rail of the pickup truck. Each of theplurality of clamps may be adjustable such that the plurality of clampsmay be sizeable to fit on the pickup bed rail. Each of the plurality ofclamps may include a mounting portion configured to be insertable intothe opening and slidable within the channel to secure the clamp with oneof the plurality of side rails.

In another aspect, a flexible tonneau cover system may include aplurality of side rails that are mountable on a bed rail of the pickuptruck and a flexible tonneau cover configured to be securable to theplurality of side rails to cover the bed of the pickup truck. The systemmay also include a plurality of clamps configured to secure theplurality of side rails to a bed rail of the pickup truck. Each of theplurality of clamps may include a pivotable arm such that in a storageposition the pivotable arm may be positioned substantially parallel tothe flexible tonneau cover. In a secured position the pivotable arm maybe positioned orthogonal to the flexible tonneau cover such that a hookportion coupled with the pivotable arm may be engageable with the pickupbed rail.

In one aspect, a tonneau cover system for covering a bed of a pickuptruck is provided. The system may include a first side rail attachableto a first bed rail of the pickup truck and a second side railattachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck. The first side railmay include a first plurality of mounting positions and the second siderail may include a second plurality of mounting positions. The systemmay also include a plurality of clamps configured to secure the firstside rail to the first bed rail and the second side rail to the secondbed rail and a cover positioned above the first side rail and the secondside rail. The cover may include a first panel and a second panelpositioned rearward of the first panel. The cover may also include afirst cover rail coupled near a first end of a bottom surface of thefirst panel, a second cover rail coupled near a second end of the bottomsurface of the first panel, a third cover rail coupled near a first endof a bottom surface of the second panel, and a fourth cover rail couplednear a second end of the bottom surface of the second panel. The covermay further include a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hingemay be positioned between and coupled with the first cover rail and thethird cover rail. The second hinge may be positioned between and coupledwith the second cover rail and the fourth cover rail such that the firstpanel is pivotably coupled with the second panel. The cover may alsoinclude a first mounting feature removably coupled with the first coverrail and a second mounting feature removably coupled with second coverrail. The system may also include a third mounting feature removablycoupled with one of the first plurality of mounting positions and afourth mounting feature removably coupled with one of the secondplurality of mounting positions. The system may also include a first rodremovably coupled with the first mounting feature and the third mountingfeature and a second rod removably coupled with the second mountingfeature and the fourth mounting feature. The first rod and the secondrod may be configured to maintain the cover in a folded position.

In another aspect, a tonneau cover system may include a first side railattachable to a first bed rail of the pickup truck. The first side railhaving a plurality of mounting positions. The system may also include asecond side rail attachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck anda head rail coupled between the first side rail and the second siderail. The system may include a cover positioned above the first siderail, the second side rail, and the head rail. The cover may include afirst panel and a second panel pivotably coupled with the first panel.The second panel may be positioned rearward of the first panel. Thecover may further include a first mounting feature removably coupledwith the first panel. The system may include a second mounting featureremovably coupled with one of the plurality of mounting positions. A rodmay be removably coupled with the first mounting feature and the secondmounting feature such that the rod maintains the cover in a foldedposition.

In another aspect, a tonneau cover system may include a first side railattachable to a first bed rail of the pickup truck and a second siderail attachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck. The first siderail may include a plurality of mounting positions. The system may alsoinclude a cover positioned above the first side rail and the second siderail. The cover may include a plurality of panels. Each of the pluralityof panels may be pivotably coupled with at least one other of theplurality of panels. A forwardmost panel of the plurality of panels mayinclude a first mounting feature. The system may also include a secondmounting feature removably coupled with one of the first plurality ofmounting positions and a rod removably coupled with the first mountingportion and the second mounting portion such that the rod maintains thecover in a folded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a pickup truck with side rails secured to bed rails of thetruck according to embodiments.

FIG. 1B shows the truck of FIG. 1A having a cover positioned over theentire length of the truck bed according to embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the truck of FIG. 1B according to embodiments.

FIG. 1D shows the truck of FIG. 1A with the cover partially foldedaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 1E shows a side view of the truck of FIG. 1D according toembodiments.

FIG. 1F shows the truck of FIG. 1A with the cover folded into a stowedposition according to embodiments.

FIG. 1G shows a side view of the truck of FIG. 1F according toembodiments.

FIG. 1H shows the truck of FIG. 1G having rods at a second angleaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a side rail according to embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the side rail of FIG. 2A according toembodiments.

FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the side rail of FIG. 2A having anopening according to embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the side rail of FIG. 2A secured to a coveraccording to embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows an upper portion of a hook assembly of a clamp accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 3B shows a hook assembly of a clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 3C shows a clamp securing a side rail to a bed rail according toembodiments.

FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows the clamp of FIG. 4A clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 4C shows the clamp of FIG. 4A clamp securing a side rail to a bedrail according to embodiments.

FIG. 4D shows a mounting portion of the clamp of FIG. 4A inserted into aslot of a side rail according to embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts a hook portion of a clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 5B, depicts a knob of a clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 5C depicts an exploded view of a clamp according to embodiments.

FIG. 5D depicts the clamp of FIG. 5C securing a side rail to a bed railaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 6A shows an elongated connector according to embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows the connector of FIG. 6A positioned within a head railaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 6C shows a side rail connected to a head rail using the connectorof FIG. 6A according to embodiments.

FIG. 7A shows mounting feature coupled with a side rail according toembodiments.

FIG. 7B shows mounting feature coupled with a side rail according toembodiments.

FIG. 8A shows a rod according to embodiments.

FIG. 8B shows a first end of the rod of FIG. 8A in an open positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8C shows a second end of the rod of FIG. 8A in an open positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8D shows a second end of the rod of FIG. 8A in a closed positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8E, shows a second end of the rod of FIG. 8A in a closed positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8F shows a second end of the rod of FIG. 8A in an open positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 8G shows a second end of the rod of FIG. 8A in an open positionaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 9A shows a mounting feature according to embodiments.

FIG. 9B shows a side rail and a cover rail according to embodiments.

FIG. 9C shows a rod securing a cover in a stowed position according toembodiments.

FIG. 10A shows an isometric view of a corner piece according toembodiments.

FIG. 10B shows an exploded view of the corner piece of FIG. 10Aaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 10C shows the corner piece of FIG. 10A coupling side rails togetheraccording to embodiments.

FIG. 11A shows an isometric top view of a corner piece according toembodiments.

FIG. 11B shows an isometric bottom view of the corner piece of FIG. 11Aaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 12A shows an isometric view of a corner brace according toembodiments.

FIG. 12B shows the corner brace of FIG. 12B coupling two side railsaccording to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides folding tonneau cover systems that sealand protect the cargo bed of a pickup truck. The cover systems mayextend to cover all or part of the cargo bed, or may be folded up andlocked into a stowed position. The stowed position may be adjusted suchthat at least a portion of a rear window of the pickup truck may beexposed. This makes driving with a cover system much safer. Embodimentsmay utilize panel sizes and/or adjustable stowed positions to providethe added visibility.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1H, one embodiment of a pickup truck 100having a foldable tonneau cover system 102 is shown. FIG. 1A showspickup truck 100 with side rails 104 secured to bed rails 106 of thetruck 100. Side rails 104 may extend along all or part of a length ofthe bed of truck 100. Side rails 104 may be secured to the bed rails 106using one or more clamps 108. Clamps 108 may be C-clamps, clamps 300 or400 described herein, or any other clamps known in the art. The numberof clamps 108 used may depend on the size of truck 100, althoughoftentimes only one or two clamps 108 are necessary on each side of thetruck 100 to safely secure the side rails 104 to the bed rails 106. Insome embodiments, clamps 108 may be configured to interface with matingfeatures on the side rails 104, while in other embodiments, the clamps108 may be configured to fit at any position of the side rails 104. Theclamps 108 may be spaced equal distances apart from one another or maybe staggered at varying intervals. In some embodiments, the cover system102 may include a head rail 110 positioned next to a cab of the truck100 and forward of the side rails 104. The side rails 104 may includeone or more mounting features 112. Mounting features 112 may bepositioned along the length of the side rails 104. In some embodiments,multiple mounting positions may be provided on the side rails 104 suchthat the location of the mounting feature 112 may be adjusted.

FIG. 1B shows truck 100 having a cover 114 positioned over the entirelength of the truck bed. Cover 114 may include one or more panels 116that are pivotably coupled with one another. While shown here with fivepanels 116, it will be appreciated that any number of panels 116 may beused to form cover 114, such as two, three, four, or six panels,although additional panels 116 may be used. The panels 116 may be formedfrom a single piece of material and/or share an external cover such thatthere are no exposed seams for external substances to leak through. Inother embodiments, the panels 116 may be separate pieces of materialcoupled together. Strips of material may be provided to cover the seamsformed from the junction of the panels 116 allow the cover 114 to sealthe bed. Cover 114 may be made of a metal, a synthetic material such asa plastic, leather, and/or a combination of such materials. Cover 114may be less than 1 inch thick, such that minimal height is added to theprofile of the truck bed as seen in the side view of FIG. 1C, althoughthicker covers 114 may be used. The panels 116 may be folded back on oneanother toward a front of the bed to expose all or a portion of the bedas shown in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, hinges 118 are used topivotably couple the panels 116 together. In some embodiments, hinges118 may be positioned on an underside of the panels 116. This allows thehinges to be protected from outside elements and also allows the coverto have a flat or relatively flat surface. In some embodiments, hinges118 may be coupled with cover rails 120 that are positioned on anunderside of some or all of the panels 116. Each panel 116 may have acover rail 120 on a left and a right side of the panel 116, and thecover rails 120 of adjacent panels 116 may be coupled to one anotherusing a hinge 118. Hinges 118 enable any number of panels 116 to befolded back on one another toward a front of the bed to expose a desiredamount of the bed. FIG. 1E shows a side view of truck 100 with cover 114in a partially folded position.

FIG. 1F shows the cover 114 folded into a stowed position. In the stowedposition, a forwardmost panel 122 of panels 116 may include one or moremounting features 124 on an underside of the panel 122. In someembodiments, the mounting features 124 may be coupled with or formedintegral to the cover rails 120, while in other embodiments, themounting features 124 may be coupled with the underside of the panel122. The mounting features 124 on the panel 122 and the mountingfeatures 112 of the side rails may be configured to be removably coupledwith rods 126 to maintain cover 114 in the stowed position. In someembodiments, mounting features 112 and/or mounting features 124 areconfigured to lockably receive an end of a rod 126. In otherembodiments, rods 126 may be configured to lockably receive a portion ofmounting features 112 and/or mounting features 124. When not used tolock cover 114 in a stowed position, rod 126 may be snapped into ormagnetically secured to a rod storage mechanism (not shown). A length ofpanels 116 may be selected such that when in the stowed position, atleast a portion of the rear window of the truck 100 is exposed. In someembodiments, multiple mounting positions are included on one or both ofthe side rails 104 and/or the forward-most panel 122 such that thelocation of the mounting features 112 and/or mounting features 124 maybe adjusted as seen in FIGS. 1G and 1H. For example, in FIG. 1G,mounting features 112 and mounting features 124 are positioned with rod126 at an angle 128 relative to the bed such that the cover 114 isfolded at least substantially upright against a back of the cab of truck100. In FIG. 1H, the angle 128 is increased to change the angle of thefolded cover 114. By angling the folded cover, the amount of rear windowexposure may be increased to enhance driver visibility. The lengths ofpanels 116 and/or the possible rod angles 128 may be selected to meetthe visibility needs and dimensions of a particular truck or may bestandardized for lower manufacturing costs.

As shown in FIG. 1G, that the rod 126 in one of the positions pushes thefolded cover against the back windows of the truck, and the folded cover114 is in a substantially standing position as shown in FIG. 1G, wherethe folded cover is substantially standing. At the “standing position”in FIG. 1G, the folded cover 114 is substantially stable compared toother positions. For example, the folded cover 114 has a substantiallyflat surface at the bottom shared by the panel edges, and the flatsurface helps the folded cover 114 stay in the standing position. Beingsandwich between the truck window and the rod 126, the folded cover 114is secure and physically more stable than other positions, such as theangle position shown in FIG. 1H. Additionally, the folded cover 114occupies the least horizontal space over the truck bed at the standingposition shown in FIG. 1G compared to other positions. For example, itis relatively easier to load things into the truck when the folded cover114 is at the standing position.

FIGS. 2A-2D show an embodiment of a side rail 200 that is securable to abed rail of a truck. Side rail 200 may include a channel or slot 202that may receive a mounting portion of a clamp, such as mountingportions 302 and 406 of clamps 300 and 400 described in FIGS. 3A-4D. Insome embodiments, side rail 200 defines a central opening 206 as seen inFIG. 2B. Central opening 206 may extend entirely through side rail 200or may extend partially through side rail 200. In some embodiments, siderail 200 may define central openings 206 on both ends of side rail 200.Central opening 206 may receive a mating feature of another component ofa cover system, such as a leg of a corner piece as described in FIGS.10A-11B.

In some embodiments, side rail 200 may include an opening 208 positionedalong the slot 202 as seen in FIG. 2C. Opening 208 may provide access tothe slot 202 such that mounting features of components such as theclamps described in FIGS. 3A-4D may be inserted into opening 208 andslid within slot 202. Opening 208 may have a length that is longer thana length of the mounting feature. In some embodiments, the length of theopening 208 may be only slightly larger than the length of the matingfeature to reduce the likelihood that the mating feature will slide outof slot 202 through the opening 208. For example, opening 208 may belonger than mounting feature by as little as 1/32 inches or as much asseveral inches.

Side rail 200 may be removably secured to a flexible cover 210. In someembodiments, side rail 200 may be secured to cover by using anattachment member 212 configured to snap into and be retained by achannel 214 of side rail 200. For example, attachment member 212 mayinclude a head 216 and neck 218 protruding outward such that the head216 may be received in channel 214, where retaining member 220 engagewith a surface of head 216 near neck 218 to prevent attachment member212 from separating from side rail 200. In some embodiments, attachmentmember 212 may be formed integral with or secured directly to cover 210,such as by using an adhesive, sonic welding, magnets, stitching, otherfasteners, and/or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, attachmentmember 212 may be secured to a fastener, such as a fastening slat. Otherfastening structures may be used, and may utilize hook and loopfasteners, magnets, reusable adhesives, buttons, snaps, other fasteners,and/or combinations thereof.

It will be appreciated that other side rail designs may be utilized,such as an L-shaped rail. Side rails may be any length. For example,some side rails may extend along a full length of the truck bed, whileother cover systems may use multiple side rails to run along the entirelength. Side rails may be secured using clamps, bolts, and/or otherfastening elements. In some embodiments, the side rails may include oneor more built-in fastener and/or clamps. Oftentimes, the side rails maybe removable and/or adjustable in a quick manner and include a fasteningportion that is positioned above and/or outside of the bed rails of thetruck such that when the cover is extended, the cover seals the entiretruck bed. In some embodiments, clamps may be included on a top and/orside of the side rails to grasp an edge of the cover to secure the coverto the side rails. The clamps may extend along all or a portion of theside rails. For example, a clamp formed from a hinged rail extendingalong the length of the side rail may be used to secure the entire edgeof the side of the cover. Such embodiments may eliminate the need forfastening elements on the side rails and/or cover.

FIGS. 3A-3C show one embodiment of a clamp 300 configured to secure aside rail 324 to a bed rail 314 of a truck. Clamp 300 may include amounting portion 302 extending from an upper portion 304 of a hookassembly 308 as seen in FIG. 3A. The upper portion 304 may define anaperture 306. Aperture 306 may be spaced apart from mounting portion302. FIG. 3B shows a hook assembly 308 may also include a lower portion310 having a hook feature 312. The lower portion 310 may define anaperture 316 that may be aligned with aperture 306 of upper portion 304such that the lower portion 310 interfaces with an inner surface of abed rail 314 as seen in FIG. 3C. The aligned apertures may receive afastener 330 that is tightenable to secure the clamp 300 onto the bedrail 314. For example, the fastener 330 may be tightenable using a knobor handle 322. Fastener may be a screw, bolt and nut, clamp, and/orother fastening device. In some embodiments, one or both of theapertures 306 and/or aperture 316 may be elongated such that a length ofthe hook assembly 308 may be adjusted by moving a top end 318 of thelower portion 310 relative to a bottom end 320 of the upper portion 304to adjust a length of the hook assembly 308 to fit the bed rail 314. Insome embodiments, an arm 334 extends between mounting portion 302 andaperture 306 such that side rail 324 coupled with the mounting portion302 is positioned at or near an outer edge of bed rail 314 whileaperture 306 is position above and/or within a bed of the truck. In someembodiments, a pad 328 may be positioned between bed rail 314 and siderail 324 to prevent the side rail 324 from damaging the bed rail 314.

The mounting portion 302 configured to be insertable into an opening ofa side rail 324, similar to the opening 922 of FIGS. 9A-9C. The mountingportion 302 may then be slid into a desired position of a channel orslot 326 in the side rail 324 and/or arm 334 to secure the clamp 300with the side rail 324. In some embodiments, a pad 328 may be positionedbetween bed rail 314 and side rail 324 to prevent the side rail 324 fromdamaging the bed rail 314.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict a clamp 400 used to secured a side rail 402 and cover440 to a bed rail 404 of a truck. As shown in FIG. 4A, clamp 400 mayinclude a mounting portion 406 extending from an arm 408. Arm 408 maydefine an aperture 410 configured to receive a fastener 412. Clamp 400may include upper portion 414 of a hook assembly 416. The upper portion414 may include one or more brackets 418 having apertures 420. Whenaligned, apertures 410 and 420 may form a hinge 422 or other pivotablejoint as seen in FIG. 4B. Hinge 422 may be coupled using fastener 412and allows hook assembly 416 to rotate about an axis of hinge 422 tomake installation of clamp 400 easier. The upper portion 414 may definean aperture 424 that may be aligned with an aperture 426 on a lowerportion 428 of the hook assembly 416. Lower portion 428 may include ahook feature 430 that interfaces with an inner surface of bed rail 404as seen in FIG. 4C. When aligned, apertures 426 and 424 may receive afastener 434 that is tightenable to secure the clamp 400 onto the bedrail 432. In some embodiments, the fastener 434 may be tightenable usinga knob or handle, such as described in FIGS. 3A-3C. Fastener 434 may bea screw, bolt and nut, clamp, and/or other fastening device. In someembodiments, one or both of the apertures 424 and/or aperture 426 may beelongated such that a length of the hook assembly 416 may be adjusted bymoving a top end 436 of the lower portion 428 relative to a bottom end438 of the upper portion 414 to adjust a length of the hook assembly 416to fit the bed rail 404. In some embodiments, arm 408 extends betweenmounting portion 406 and aperture 410 such that side rail 402 coupledwith the mounting portion 406 is positioned at or near an outer edge ofbed rail 404 while aperture 410 is position above and/or within a bed ofthe truck. In some embodiments, a pad 444 may be positioned between bedrail 404 and a side rail 402 and/or arm 408 to prevent the side rail 402from damaging the bed rail 404. As shown in FIG. 4D, the mountingportion 406 is configured to be insertable into an opening 446 of siderail 402, similar to opening 922 of FIGS. 9A-9C. The mounting portion406 may then be slid into a desired position of a channel or slot 442 inthe side rail 402 to secure the clamp 400 with the side rail 402.

FIGS. 5A-5D depict a clamp 500 configured to secure a side rail 502 to abed rail 504 of a truck. In some embodiments, clamp 500 may also be usedto secure a cover rail to a side rail and/or a bed rail. FIG. 5A depictsa hook portion 506 having a base portion 508 and a hook 510. The baseportion 508 may define an aperture 512 extending through the entire baseportion 508. The hook 510 includes an inner surface 514 that isconfigured to contact an inner surface 516 of bed rail 504 as seen inFIG. 5D. Referring now to FIG. 5B, a knob 518 is shown. Knob 518 mayhave a handle 520 and a stem 522. Stem 522 may define a threadedaperture 524. Threaded aperture 524 may be aligned with aperture 512 ofbase portion 508 and a pivotable arm 530 extending from a rail 528 asshown in FIG. 5C. Rail 528 may be coupled with side rail 502. In FIG.5D, pivotable arm 530 may include a threaded rod 526 that extendsthrough aperture 512 and interfaces with the threaded aperture 524 suchthat rotation of knob 518 may tighten and loosen hook portion 506against bed rail 504 by forcing the base portion 508 upward. Threadedaperture 524 may extend entirely through knob 518 such that threaded rod526 may extend through knob 518 to increase the available range oftightness. In some embodiments, pivotable arm 530 is pivotable from astorage position to a secured position. In the storage position, thepivotable arm 530 is positioned substantially parallel to a flexibletonneau cover 536 and in a secured position the pivotable arm 530 ispositioned orthogonal to the flexible tonneau cover 536 such that thehook portion 506 coupled with the pivotable arm 530 is engageable withthe bed rail 504. In some embodiments, a pad 532 may be positionedbetween side rail 502 and bed rail 504 to prevent damage to the bed rail504.

FIGS. 6A-6C show a connector 600 securing a side rail 602 to a head rail604 according to one embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an elongated connector600 have an L-shaped base 606 and a flanged mount 608. The connector 600defines one or more apertures 610 along a length of the L-shaped base606. FIG. 6B shows head rail 604 having a slot 612 running along atleast a portion of the length of head rail 604. Slot 612 may beconfigured to interface with flanged mount 608 to retain the flangedmount 608 against the head rail 604. In some embodiments, the head rail604 may define an opening 614 that provides access to slot 612. Flangedmount 608 may be inserted though opening 614 and slid within slot 612 toa proper position. As seen in FIG. 6C, side rail 602 may define one ormore apertures 616. Side rail 602 may be positioned adjacent connector600 such that at least some of apertures 610 are aligned with at leastsome of apertures 616. One or more fasteners 618 may be inserted thoughthe aligned apertures 610 and 616 to couple the side rail 602 toconnector 600, and thus side rail 602 to head rail 604. Fasteners 618may be any type of fastener, such as nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, andthe like.

Apertures 610 and/or apertures 616 may be elongated such that someadjustability is present to account for variations in truck bed sizes.When the apertures 610 and 616 are aligned in a proper position, thefasteners 618 may be tightened to secure the rails in the properposition. In some embodiments, connector 600 may be formed integral withside rail 602. However, by having connector 600 and side rail 602 asseparate components, the added adjustability is provided. Additionally,installation may be easier as the head rail 604 and/or the side rail 602may be clamped into a proper position on the truck bed first, to removethe need to someone or something to prop the rails up while the railsare coupled with one another. Once the rails are clamped, the connector600 may be inserted into opening 614 and slid within slot 612 to apositioned aligned with side rail 602.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict side rails 700 having multiple mounting positions702. Side rail 700 may include a number of mounting positions 702 onwhich mounting features 704 may be mounted. In some embodiments, eachmounting position 702 includes two or more apertures 712 defined by theside rail 700. As shown here, side rail 700 includes two mountingpositions 702, each including two apertures. It will be appreciated thatother numbers of mounting positions 702 may be provided, and eachmounting position 702 may include more than two apertures 712. By havingmultiple apertures 712 for each mounting position, mounting features 704may be more securely fastened to the mounting positions 702 withrotational movement limited.

Mounting feature 704 may include a flange 706 defining two or moreapertures 708 configured to align with the mounting positions 702. Insome embodiments, the mounting feature 704 includes one fewer aperture708 than apertures 712 making up the mounting positions 702. Themounting feature 704 may also include a ball hitch 710 configured to besecured by a rod, such as rods 126 and 800 describe herein. In someembodiments, a feature other than a ball hitch is used that is securableby a rod. In other embodiments, the mounting feature 704 may include afeature configured to secure an end of the rod, such as a clamp that maylockably grasp a ball or other feature of the rod. FIG. 7A showsmounting feature 704 aligned with a first mounting position 702 formedby the two rightmost apertures 712. FIG. 7B shows mounting feature 704aligned with a second mounting position 702 formed by the two left mostapertures 712. By changing which mounting position 702 is used, an angleof a rod, and thus the angle of a folded cover, is adjusted as shown inFIGS. 1A-1H and FIGS. 9A-9C. This alters the height of the folded coverto create more or less exposure of a rear window of a truck.

It will be appreciated that other forms of mounting positions andmounting features may be used. For example, a slotted rail configured toreceive a flanged portion of a rod may be used to adjust an angle of therod relative to the truck bed. In such embodiments, a screwlike fastenermay be used to tighten the flanged portion in a position in the slot toachieve a desired angle. In some embodiments, the mounting features maybe permanently attached to and/or formed integral with the mountingpositions to form a number of mounting features at different locations.

FIGS. 8A-8G depict one embodiment of a rod 800 for lockably holding afolded cover in a stowed position as described in FIGS. 1A-1G and FIGS.9A-9C. FIG. 8A shows rod 800 having a first end 802 and a second end 804separated by a center rod 806. The first end 802 and the second end 804are each configured to lockably receive a ball hitch of a mountingfeature, such as a ball hitch 710 of FIGS. 7A-7C and ball hitches 904and 932 of FIGS. 9A-9C. The first end 802 may include a chamber 808configured to receive the ball hitch. Near the first end 802, the centerrod 806 may include a spring biased sleeve 810 that retains the ballhitch within chamber 808 in a first covered position. The sleeve 810 isslidable toward second end 804 from the first covered position to asecond exposed position where the ball hitch is removable from thechamber 808 as shown in FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, the sleeve 810 mayinclude a cutout portion 812 such that the sleeve 810 does not need tobe retracted as far to expose chamber 808. Cutout portion 812 may be aU-shaped cutout as shown here, or may be any other shape, such as arectangular, elliptical, or other cutout. The cutout portion 812 may besized and shaped based on the size and shape of the ball hitch or othermounting feature to be received within chamber 808.

Referring back to FIG. 8A, second end 804 may include a chamber 814configured to receive a ball hitch. Arms 816 of a flexible u-shapedretaining member 818 may secure the ball hitch within chamber 814 whenin a first retaining position. FIG. 8C shows chamber 808 able to receivethe ball hitch with arms 816 of U-shaped retaining member 818 in asecond open position. FIG. 8D shows a side of second end 804 oppositethe opening of chamber 808 with U-shaped retaining member 818 in thefirst retaining position. A wedge element 820 is slidable within a trackpositioned underneath U-shaped retaining member 818. As seen in FIG. 8E,in the first retaining position, a thicker portion 822 of wedge element820 extends beyond a top surface of U-shaped retaining member 818. FIG.8F shows wedge element 820 slid to engage the u-shaped retaining member818 to move U-shaped retaining member 818 into the second open position.FIG. 8G shows thicker portion 822 of wedge element 820 engaging U-shapedretaining member 818. U-shaped retaining member 818 is pulled upward,causing the arms 816 to retract into the first open position. In someembodiments, a portion of wedge element 820 may extend beyond the secondend 804 when slid to engage U-shaped retaining member 818, while inother embodiments, all of wedge element 820 may remain within theperiphery of second end 804.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, both the first end 802and the second end 804 may have the same ball hitch receiving mechanism.Other mechanisms may be used to secure a ball hitch or other mountingfeature within a portion of a rod, such as a clamp configured to grasp aportion of the mounting feature. In other embodiments, the first end 802and/or the second end 804 may be configured to be lockably received in amounting feature. For example, the first end 802 and/or the second end804 may include one or more mating features, such as a ball hitch, thatmay be received within a structure of the mounting device, such as theball hitch receiving mechanisms described above on the first end 802 andthe second end 804.

FIGS. 9A-9C show an embodiment of a cover 900 in a folded position. FIG.9A shows a mounting feature 902 having a ball hitch 904 extending from aplate 906. Plate 906 may include one or more mating features configuredto interface with features of a side rail 908 and/or a cover rail 910.For example, plate 906 may define one or more apertures 912. Plate 906may also include one or more legs 914. FIG. 9B shows mounting feature902 secured with cover rail 910. The legs 914 may be inserted within aslot or apertures (not shown) of cover rail 910. Fasteners 916 may bepositioned within apertures 912 and tightened to secure mounting feature902 to an underside or inner surface of the cover rail 910. The mountingfeature 902 may be secured using one or more mounting positions, suchthat a location of the mounting feature 902 may be adjusted. In someembodiments, mounting feature 902 may be secured directly to cover 900,while in other embodiments, cover rail 910 is secured to the cover 900.Cover 900 is in a folded position near a front portion of side rail 908.In some embodiments, a head rail 918 may be coupled with side rail 908using a connector 920. Head rail 918, side rail 908, and connector 920may be the same as those described in the previous figures. For example,connector 920 may be inserted into an opening 922 of head rail 918 andslid within a slot 938 to align with the side rail 908. In someembodiments, there may not be a head rail, and in other embodiments, thehead rail may be formed integral with the side rail. Other forms ofconnectors may be used to couple side rail 908 with head rail 918. Forexample, one or more brackets, clamps, and/or fasteners may be used tocouple the rails. In some embodiments, side rail 908 may include one ormore mounting positions 924, similar to mounting positions 702 of FIGS.7A and 7B For example, mounting positions 924 may be formed from two ormore apertures 926 defined by side rail 908. A side mounting feature 928may be removably coupled with the side rail 908 using one of themounting positions 924. The side mounting feature 928 may be configuredto lockably couple with a rod 930, as shown in FIG. 9C. For example, aball hitch 932 of side mounting feature 928 may be received in alockable chamber of a first end 934 of rod 930, similar to the first end802 of FIGS. 8A-8G. A second end 936 of rod 930 may receive the ballhitch 904 to maintain the cover 900 in an upright, folded position. Alocation of the mounting feature 902 and/or mounting feature 928 may beadjusted to change the angle of rod 930, which changes a height of thefolded cover 900 create more or less visibility through a rear window ofa truck. In some embodiments, one or more ends of the rod 930 may beconfigured to be secured within a mounting feature of the side rail 908or cover rail 910.

FIGS. 10A-10C show one embodiment of a corner piece 1000 that may couplemultiple side rails 1002 together. As seen in FIG. 10A, corner piece1000 may include a base 1004 coupled with a baseplate 1006, such as byusing fasteners 1008. FIG. 10B shows an interior 1010 of base 1004 withone or more support structures 1012 designed to provide rigidity and/orstrength to the corner piece 1000. Corner piece 1000 may be otherwisehollow to reduce material costs and/or weight. Base 1004 may includelegs 1014 that are insertable into a central opening (not shown) of siderail 1002, such as central opening 206 of FIGS. 2A-2D, to couplemultiple side rails 1002 together. Legs 1014 may define an opening 1022that may further reduce material cost of the part. In some embodiments,a flange 1016 may extend parallel to legs 1014 and may be inserted intoa slot (not shown) of the side rail 1002, such as slot 202 of FIGS.2A-2D. By including both legs 1014 and flange 1016, a stronger couplingmay be achieved. In some embodiments, the legs 1014 and/or flange 1016may define one or more apertures 1018. Apertures 1018 may receivefasteners 1020 to secure side rails 1002 in a proper position adjacentcorner piece 1000, as shown in FIG. 10C.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a corner piece 1100 having a base 1102 and legs1104 extending from base 1102. Legs 1104 may be inserted into a centralopening of a side rail to couple multiple side rails together, similarto corner piece 1000. Base 1102 may define a plurality of apertures 1106that may help reduce material cost of the corner piece 1100. Apertures1106 may be designed to enhance or maintain the structural integrity ofcorner piece 1100. In some embodiments, some or all of apertures 1106may extend entirely through base 1102, while in other embodiments,apertures may extend partially through the base 1102. Apertures 1106 maybe present on a top, bottom, and/or sides of base 1102. Legs 1104 mayalso define an opening 1108 and/or apertures 1110 to further reducematerial costs. In some embodiments, corner piece 1100 may not includeapertures 1106, opening 1108, and/or apertures 1110.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a corner brace 1200 to help support a couplingbetween a corner piece 1202 and multiple side rails 1204. Corner piece1202 may be a corner piece as described in FIGS. 10A-11B. FIG. 12A showscorner brace 1200 as an L-shaped piece defining one or more apertures1206 on each side of the L-shaped piece. Corner brace 1200 may beinserted within a slot (not shown) of side rails 1204, and corner piece1202 is coupled with the side rails 1204, such as by legs (not shown) ofcorner piece 1202 being inserted within a central opening (not shown) ofside rails 1204. FIG. 12B shows fasteners 1208 inserted into apertures1206. Fasteners 1208 may extend through apertures (not shown) in siderails 1204 and/or corner piece 1202 to secure the side rails 1204 to thecorner brace 1200 and/or corner piece 1202 in a proper position. Alongwith helping to secure the corner piece 1202 with side rails 1204,corner brace 1200 may provide additional strength and support to thecoupling.

The components and features described herein may be formed from anymaterial, such as a plastic or metal. Metal alloys, such as thosecontaining aluminum, steel, and/or titanium, may add ruggedness andenhance the safety of the cover systems described herein. Pads may beprovided to place between components of the cover systems and the bedrails to prevent damage to the bed rails. For example, pads may beincluded between the bed rails and side rails, clamps, and/or cornerpieces. Components and features described herein having similar namesmay be interchanged within embodiments. Additionally, it will beappreciated that embodiments of the invention may add, subtract,separate, form integral, combine, and/or otherwise manipulate thefeatures described herein.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. For example, well-known, processes,structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail inorder to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description providesexample embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope,applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the precedingdescription of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the artwith an enabling description for implementing embodiments of theinvention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangementof elements without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a processwhich is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each maydescribe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operationscan be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order ofthe operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional stepsnot included in the figure.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theinvention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component ofa larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over orotherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number ofsteps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements areconsidered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tonneau cover system for covering a bed of apickup truck, the system comprising: a first side rail attachable to afirst bed rail of the pickup truck, the first side rail having a firstplurality of mounting positions, the first side rail defining a firstside rail slot extending along a length of the first side rail and atleast one first side rail opening disposed at a medial position of thefirst side rail, the medial position of the first side rail beingdisposed along the length of the first side rail between a first end anda second end of the first side rail, the at least one first side railopening providing access to the first side rail slot at an angle atleast substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first siderail slot at the medial position of the first side rail; a second siderail attachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck, the secondside rail having a second plurality of mounting positions, the secondside rail defining a second side rail slot extending along a length ofthe second side rail and at least one second side rail opening disposedat a medial position of the second side rail, the medial position of thesecond side rail being disposed along the length of the second side railbetween a first end and a second end of the second side rail, the atleast one second side rail opening providing access to the second siderail slot at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to alongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot at the medial position ofthe second side rail; a plurality of clamps configured to secure thefirst side rail to the first bed rail and the second side rail to thesecond bed rail, wherein: each of the plurality of clamps comprises aclamp mating feature configured to be slidably secured within the firstside rail slot or the second slide rail slot after the clamp matingfeature is inserted within the at least one first side rail opening atan angle at least substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe first side rail slot or within the at least one second side railopening at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot to gain access to thefirst side rail slot or the second side rail slot; each of the pluralityof clamps further comprises: an arm extending from the mounting featureand configured to be positioned above the first bed rail or the secondbed rail; a vertical member extending downward from the arm, thevertical member defining a first aperture; and a hook feature configuredto be positioned below a bottom edge of the first bed rail or the secondbed rail and to interface with an inner surface of the first bed rail orthe second bed rail, the hook feature defining a second aperture; one orboth of the first aperture and the second aperture is elongated suchthat a size of the clamp may be adjusted to accommodate different sizedtruck bed rails by raising or lowering the hook feature relative to thevertical member and the arm; and the size is fixed by tightening afastener that extends through the first aperture and the secondaperture; a cover positioned above the first side rail and the secondside rail, the cover comprising: a first panel; a second panelpositioned rearward of the first panel; and a first cover rail couplednear a first end of a bottom surface of the first panel; a second coverrail coupled near a second end of the bottom surface of the first panel;a third cover rail coupled near a first end of a bottom surface of thesecond panel; a fourth cover rail coupled near a second end of thebottom surface of the second panel; a first hinge; a second hinge,wherein the first hinge is positioned between and coupled with the firstcover rail and the third cover rail, and wherein the second hinge ispositioned between and coupled with the second cover rail and the fourthcover rail such that the first panel is pivotably coupled with thesecond panel; a first mounting feature removably coupled with the firstcover rail; and a second mounting feature removably coupled with secondcover rail; a third mounting feature removably coupled with one of thefirst plurality of mounting positions; a fourth mounting featureremovably coupled with one of the second plurality of mountingpositions; a first rod removably coupled with the first mounting featureand the third mounting feature; and a second rod removably coupled withthe second mounting feature and the fourth mounting feature, the firstrod and the second rod being configured to maintain the cover in afolded position.
 2. The tonneau cover system for covering a bed of apickup truck according to claim 1, wherein in the folded position, amajor surface of the first panel and a major surface of the second panelare substantially parallel and positioned at an upward angle.
 3. Thetonneau cover system for covering a bed of a pickup truck according toclaim 1, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are positionedunderneath the cover such that the cover protects a top of the firsthinge and the second hinge.
 4. The tonneau cover system for covering abed of a pickup truck according to claim 1, wherein the first mountingfeature, the second mounting feature, the third mounting feature, andthe fourth mounting feature each comprise a ball hitch.
 5. The tonneaucover system for covering a bed of a pickup truck according to claim 1,wherein the first rod and the second rod each comprise a first end and asecond end separated by a center rod, wherein each of the first end andthe second end is configured to lockably receive a ball hitch of thefirst mounting feature, the second mounting feature, the third mountingfeature, or the fourth mounting feature.
 6. The tonneau cover system forcovering a bed of a pickup truck according to claim 5, wherein one orboth of the first end or the second end comprises a chamber configuredto receive the ball hitch, and wherein the center rod comprises a springbiased sleeve that is slidable from a first covered position thatsecures the ball hitch within the chamber to a second exposed positionwhere the ball hitch is removable from the chamber.
 7. The tonneau coversystem for covering a bed of a pickup truck according to claim 5,wherein one or both of the first end or the second end comprises achamber configured to receive the ball hitch, and wherein the center rodcomprises a flexible u-shaped retaining member having a first positionwhere the ball hitch is secured within the chamber and a second positionwhere the ball hitch is removable from the chamber, and wherein thecenter rod comprises a wedge element that is slidable such that athicker portion of the wedge element engages the flexible u-shapedretaining member to move the flexible u-shaped retaining member from thefirst position to the second position.
 8. A tonneau cover system forcovering a bed of a pickup truck, the system comprising: a first siderail attachable to a first bed rail of the pickup truck, the first siderail having a plurality of mounting positions, the first side raildefining a first side rail slot extending along a length of the firstside rail and at least one first side rail opening disposed at a medialposition of the first side rail, the medial position of the first siderail being disposed along the length of the first side rail between afirst end and a second end of the first side rail, the at least onefirst side rail opening providing access to the first side rail slot atan angle at least substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of thefirst side rail slot at the medial position of the first side rail; asecond side rail attachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck,the second side rail defining a second side rail slot extending along alength of the second side rail and at least one second side rail openingdisposed at a medial position of the second side rail, the medialposition of the second side rail being disposed along the length of thesecond side rail between a first end and a second end of the second siderail, the at least one second side rail opening providing access to thesecond side rail slot at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to alongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot at the medial position ofthe second side rail; a head rail coupled between the first side railand the second side rail; a plurality of clamps configured to secure thefirst side rail to the first bed rail and the second side rail to thesecond bed rail, wherein: each of the plurality of clamps comprises aclamp mating feature configured to be slidably secured within the firstside rail slot or the second slide rail slot after the clamp matingfeature is inserted within the at least one first side rail opening atan angle at least substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe first side rail slot or within the at least one second side railopening at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot to gain access to thefirst side rail slot or the second side rail slot; each of the pluralityof clamps further comprises: an arm extending from the mounting featureand configured to be positioned above the first bed rail or the secondbed rail; a vertical member extending downward from the arm, thevertical member defining a first aperture; and a hook feature configuredto be positioned below a bottom edge of the first bed rail or the secondbed rail and to interface with an inner surface of the first bed rail orthe second bed rail, the hook feature defining a second aperture; one orboth of the first aperture and the second aperture is elongated suchthat a size of the clamp may be adjusted to accommodate different sizedtruck bed rails by raising or lowering the hook feature relative to thevertical member and the arm; and the size is fixed by tightening afastener that extends through the first aperture and the secondaperture; a cover positioned above the first side rail, the second siderail, and the head rail, the cover comprising: a first panel; a secondpanel pivotably coupled with the first panel, the second panel beingpositioned rearward of the first panel; and a first mounting featureremovably coupled with the first panel; a second mounting featureremovably coupled with one of the plurality of mounting positions; and arod removably coupled with the first mounting feature and the secondmounting feature such that the rod maintains the cover in a foldedposition.
 9. The tonneau cover system for covering a bed of a pickuptruck according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of mounting positionsdefine at least three apertures, and wherein the second mounting featurecomprises a plurality of fasteners that are insertable into the at leastthree apertures to secure the second mounting feature to the pluralityof mounting positions, and wherein the plurality of fasteners compriseat least one fewer than a number of the at least three apertures suchthat a placement of the second mounting feature is adjustable bysecuring the plurality of fasteners to a different set of the at leastthree apertures.
 10. The tonneau cover system for covering a bed of apickup truck according to claim 9, wherein securing the plurality offasteners to a different set of the at least three apertures changes anangle of the cover in the folded position.
 11. The tonneau cover systemfor covering a bed of a pickup truck according to claim 8, wherein thehead rail defines a first opening and a second opening that each provideaccess to a slot running along a length of the head rail, the firstopening configured to receive an end of the first side rail and thesecond opening configured to receive an end of the second side rail suchthat the end of the first side rail and the end of the second side railare securable within the slot.
 12. A tonneau cover system for covering abed of a pickup truck, the system comprising: a first side railattachable to a first bed rail of the pickup truck, the first side railhaving a plurality of mounting positions, the first side rail defining afirst side rail slot extending along a length of the first side rail andat least one first side rail opening disposed at a medial position ofthe first side rail, the medial position of the first side rail beingdisposed along the length of the first side rail between a first end anda second end of the first side rail, the at least one first side railopening providing access to the first side rail slot at an angle atleast substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first siderail slot at the medial position of the first side rail; a second siderail attachable to a second bed rail of the pickup truck, the secondside rail defining a second side rail slot extending along a length ofthe second side rail and at least one second side rail opening disposedat a medial position of the second side rail, the medial position of thesecond side rail being disposed along the length of the second side railbetween a first end and a second end of the second side rail, the atleast one second side rail opening providing access to the second siderail slot at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to alongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot at the medial position ofthe second side rail; a plurality of clamps configured to secure thefirst side rail to the first bed rail and the second side rail to thesecond bed rail, wherein: each of the plurality of clamps comprises aclamp mating feature configured to be slidably secured within the firstside rail slot or the second slide rail slot after the clamp matingfeature is inserted within the at least one first side rail opening atan angle at least substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe first side rail slot or within the at least one second side railopening at an angle at least substantially orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the second side rail slot to gain access to thefirst side rail slot or the second side rail slot; each of the pluralityof clamps further comprises: an arm extending from the mounting featureand configured to be positioned above the first bed rail or the secondbed rail; a vertical member extending downward from the arm, thevertical member defining a first aperture; and a hook feature configuredto be positioned below a bottom edge of the first bed rail or the secondbed rail and to interface with an inner surface of the first bed rail orthe second bed rail, the hook feature defining a second aperture; one orboth of the first aperture and the second aperture is elongated suchthat a size of the clamp may be adjusted to accommodate different sizedtruck bed rails by raising or lowering the hook feature relative to thevertical member and the arm; and the size is fixed by tightening afastener that extends through the first aperture and the secondaperture; a cover positioned above the first side rail and the secondside rail, the cover comprising a plurality of panels, each of theplurality of panels being pivotably coupled with at least one other ofthe plurality of panels, wherein a forwardmost panel of the plurality ofpanels comprises a first mounting feature; a second mounting featureremovably coupled with one of the first plurality of mounting positions;and a rod removably coupled with the first mounting portion and thesecond mounting portion such that the rod maintains the cover in afolded position.
 13. The tonneau cover system for covering a bed of apickup truck according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality ofpanels has a sufficiently small width such that when the cover is in thefolded position, at least a portion of a rear window of the pickup truckis exposed, wherein in the folded position, a major surface of the firstpanel and a major surface of the second panel are substantially paralleland positioned at an upward angle.
 14. The tonneau cover system forcovering a bed of a pickup truck according to claim 12, wherein theplurality of mounting positions define at least three apertures, andwherein the second mounting feature comprises a plurality of fastenersthat are insertable into the at least three apertures to secure thesecond mounting feature to the plurality of mounting positions, andwherein the plurality of fasteners comprise at least one fewer than anumber of the at least three apertures such that a placement of thesecond mounting feature is adjustable by securing the plurality offasteners to a different set of the at least three apertures.
 15. Thetonneau cover system for covering a bed of a pickup truck according toclaim 12, wherein the second side rail comprises a second plurality ofmounting positions, wherein the forwardmost panel of the plurality ofpanels comprises a third mounting feature on an end opposite the firstmounting feature, and wherein the tonneau cover system further comprisesa fourth mounting feature removably coupled with one of the secondplurality of mounting positions and a second rod removably coupled withthe third mounting feature and the fourth mounting feature.
 16. Thetonneau cover system for covering a bed of a pickup truck according toclaim 12, wherein the first mounting feature and the second mountingfeature each comprise a ball hitch.